NHL Star Connor McDavid Calls for Review of Suspension Process

Edmonton Oilers captain criticizes league's handling of player discipline after controversial Radko Gudas ruling

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:09pm

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Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid has publicly questioned the NHL's current system for supplemental discipline, calling for a review of the process after Anaheim Ducks player Radko Gudas received only a five-game suspension for a knee-on-knee hit that sidelined Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews for the rest of the regular season. McDavid said there is "a lot of frustration" among players with how suspensions are handled and suggested the league and players' association should work to create a system "that works for everybody."

Why it matters

As the NHL's leading scorer, McDavid's comments carry significant weight and reflect growing player discontent with the league's player safety policies. The Gudas incident and subsequent suspension sparked outrage, with Matthews' agent calling the ruling "laughable and preposterous." This debate over discipline highlights ongoing concerns about player safety and the need for the NHL to reevaluate its approach to policing dangerous hits.

The details

In the incident, Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit on Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, resulting in a Grade 3 MCL tear that ended Matthews' regular season. Gudas had previously been suspended four times by the league. The five-game ban for Gudas drew heavy criticism, with Matthews' agent Judd Moldaver calling it "reckless and ridiculous" and saying the NHL's Department of Player Safety "should be suspended."

  • On March 11, 2026, Radko Gudas delivered the knee-on-knee hit on Auston Matthews.
  • Gudas received a five-game suspension from the NHL for the hit.

The players

Connor McDavid

The captain of the Edmonton Oilers and the NHL's leading scorer, who has publicly criticized the league's player discipline process.

Radko Gudas

The Anaheim Ducks defenseman who delivered the knee-on-knee hit on Auston Matthews, resulting in a five-game suspension.

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear from Gudas' hit and missed the rest of the regular season.

Judd Moldaver

The agent who represents both Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, and who criticized the NHL's handling of the Gudas suspension as "laughable and preposterous."

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What they’re saying

“If every time there's a suspension, everybody complains about it, well, why don't we take a look at the process.”

— Connor McDavid

“A phone hearing and five games is just laughable and preposterous. That there was no further discipline is a reckless and ridiculous position for player safety.”

— Judd Moldaver, Agent for Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid

What’s next

The NHL and NHLPA are expected to review the league's player discipline process in the offseason, with input from players like McDavid on potential reforms.

The takeaway

Connor McDavid's criticism of the NHL's supplemental discipline system reflects growing player frustration over inconsistent rulings and a perceived lack of player safety. As the league's premier talent, McDavid's comments carry significant weight and could spur the NHL to reevaluate its approach to policing dangerous hits and protecting its star players.